Concrete patios aren’t much to look at on their own, but they are the perfect blank canvas for your backyard patio ideas. With the right personal touches, you can create a tranquil garden oasis, dynamic entertainment hub, or cozy relaxation retreat — and it all starts with covering up the plain concrete.
Although that might sound costly, I know many inexpensive ways to cover concrete patio surfaces. Each option I’ll present in this guide boosts aesthetics, comfort, or durability and can even cover up minor damage.
Just remember that if your patio damage goes beyond what a rug can conceal, it’s best to start this DIY project by getting it repaired by concrete experts in your area.
7 Ways to Cover Your Patio on a Budget
The seven most popular affordable ways to cover your patio are:
Each one has pros and cons to consider, in addition to thinking about how it fits your design plans and preferences. We’ll go over each option, so you can start envisioning how your concrete patio will look after its makeover.
#1: Rugs
A colorful rug can instantly brighten up your patio and make it feel cozier while hiding its imperfections. You don’t have to spend a lot to get a nice carpet, either.
Amazon, home improvement stores, and other retailers list basic 5’x7’ outdoor rugs at $30 and up. If you want an 8’x10’ rug, prices start at $60. Smaller rugs are even cheaper if you’d rather mix and match the carpet.
Size is not the only thing influencing the price. The material also matters. Polypropylene costs the least, while seagrass is the most expensive. You have several other options in between, such as sisal and bamboo.
Rug Materials for Concrete Patios
| Rug Material | Material Type | Price | Durability | Best For |
| Polypropylene | Plastic | $10 to $100 | High | High traffic areas |
| Polyester | Plastic pellets | $20 to $150 | Moderate | Covered patios |
| Sisal | Agave plant fibers | $50 to $300 | High | Elevating natural patio designs |
| Jute | Jute plant fibers | $50 to $300 | Moderate | Establishing eco-friendly builds |
| Bamboo | Bamboo plant fibers | $100 to $500 | High | Creating bold patio designs |
| Seagrass | Seagrass fibers | $100 to $500 | Moderate | Low-traffic areas |
Rugs only take a few minutes to properly position and smooth out, so they’re a great choice if you don’t have much time for a DIY project. However, you do have to account for the time it takes to clean them.
If you want your outdoor carpet to stay nice, regularly shake off the dirt or vacuum the surface each week. You may also need to clean the rug with a pressure washer each season to prevent permanent stains.
Plan to remove the rugs during the rainy season as well. The dense material can trap moisture against the patio, resulting in mold and mildew growth, stains, and concrete damage. If you get a lot of sunshine, budget for new rugs every few years, as UV exposure causes fading.
#2: Tiles
Tiles can instantly transform plain concrete into a visually stunning and incredibly durable surface. Upgrading to a tile surface can be surprisingly cost-effective if you can handle the installation.
As long as you already have tile installation tools, you just need to buy the tiles, thin-set mortar, grout, and sealer. Tiles are the most expensive part of the project and their price depends on the material. See our instructional material on how to install a tile floor for a more detailed guide.
Porcelain and travertine tile represent opposites on the tile price spectrum. Porcelain is the cheapest tile option at $2 to $10 per square foot. At the other end is travertine, which costs $7 to $20 for each square foot. Your other options include slate, terracotta, and rubber. At the lowest price, a 300-square-foot backyard patio will cost you a little over $650 if you do it yourself.
Concrete Patio Tile Materials
| Tile Material | Material Type | Price Per Square Foot | Durability | Best For |
| Porcelain | Fired clay | $2 to $10 | High | High-traffic areas |
| Slate | Slate | $3 to $12 | High | Open-air patios |
| Terracotta | Fired clay | $5 to $15 | Moderate | Creating an earthy aesthetic |
| Rubber | Synthetic | $2 to $10 | Moderate | Making a comfortable walking surface |
| Travertine | Limestone | $7 to $20 | High | Elegant designs |
Tiles come in natural tones and textures, bold colors and patterns, and everything in between. With such a wide selection available, you’re bound to find a tile design that appeals to you.
If you fall in love with the higher-cost tiles, like travertine, be prepared for sticker shock. Hiring a contractor can add even more to the final price if you’re not comfortable handling the project.
Installing tile is a difficult project, after all. So, it’s better to leave it to the pros if you cannot confidently cut, lay, and grout tile.
#3: Pavers
Pavers upgrade the look and durability of your concrete patio without outshining the other design elements. The pavers cost more upfront, but their immense versatility, durability, and low maintenance needs may save you money in the long run.
Since the pavers are so easy to install, you don’t have to hire a contractor if you don’t want to, saving you even more. If you only buy materials, you’ll only have to pay for pavers, mortar, and sand.
Depending on the material, the pavers range from $5 to $50 per square foot. Concrete pavers are the least expensive at $5 to $20 per square foot. Natural stone is the highest at $10 to $50 per square foot. If you go with the budget-friendly option, a 300-square-foot patio costs about $1,650 to upgrade with pavers.
Pavers for Concrete Patios
| Paver Material | Material Type | Price Per Square Foot | Durability | Best For |
| Concrete | Aggregate and cement | $5 to $20 | High | Low maintenance builds |
| Brick | Fired clay | $8 to $30 | High | Adding rustic charm |
| Natural Stone | Various minerals | $10 to $50 | High | Elevating high-end designs |
Concrete, brick, and natural stone pavers all have a timeless appearance that works for many unique patio designs. You can change up the look of your patio on the fly, allowing you to update annually or even decorate for the seasons.
The process of installing the pavers won’t deliver instant gratification, however. Although it’s an approachable DIY project, that doesn’t mean it’ll go quickly. You must take your time with each step to minimize shifting and settling.
If you rush through, the carefully laid surface could look uneven sooner than you might like. The polymeric sand between the pavers might quickly allow weeds to grow if it’s not packed down sufficiently.
#4: Wood
If you’ve always loved the look and feel of a wooden deck, you don’t have to tear out the concrete to make it happen. Your existing patio provides a stable base for the wood, allowing you to get even faster results.
You have two choices when upgrading your concrete patio with wood. You can either build the entire structure yourself or use interlocking deck tiles. Unless you go with tropical hardwoods, interlocking tiles are easier to install but are usually more expensive at $5 to $15 per square foot.
Updating your patio with wood costs between $3 and $20 per square foot, depending on your chosen material. Pressure-treated pine typically costs the least, while you’ll pay a premium for exotic hardwoods like Brazilian walnut. A budget-friendly build will cost $900 for a 300-square-foot deck in materials.
Wood Coverings for Patios
| Wood Material | Material Type | Price Per Square Foot | Durability | Best For |
| Pressure Treated | Pine (softwood) | $3 to $6 | Moderate | Budget-friendly builds |
| Cedar | Cedar (softwood) | $4 to $8 | Moderate | Areas with wood-destroying insects |
| Composite Decking | Synthetic | $6 to $12 | High | Low maintenance homes |
| Tropical Hardwoods | Brazilian walnut, cambara, or white ash (hardwood) | $8 to $20 | High | Creating exotic patio designs |
Covering your patio with wood creates a warm, natural look that beautifully elevates the space. The wood doesn’t get too hot in the sunlight or cold during the winter, and it always feels comfortable underfoot.
Unless you have deck-building skills, the installation can feel quite challenging. To make it more approachable, you’ll need to hire a professional or go with interlocking deck tiles. Both of which will increase the price.
Wood doesn’t last as long as natural stone, concrete, and other more robust materials. Insect damage and weathering can markedly decrease its lifespan from 30 years to 10 or less.
#5: Artificial Turf
Artificial turf can transform a drab gray concrete area into a lush outdoor space. This covering can be relatively inexpensive, but durability increases with the price.
Overall, you’ll pay $4 to $15 per square foot for the turf itself, depending on the material. Polypropylene costs the most, while nylon has the highest price. You will also need to pay up to $1 per square foot for the hex support panel. It’s possible to glue the turf down instead, but that will permanently damage to the concrete.
As long as you bring your patience, installing the turf is a breeze. You’ll avoid paying a contractor, allowing you to cover your 300-square-foot patio for just $1,500.
Artificial Turf Concrete Covering
| Artificial Turf Material | Material Type | Price Per Square Foot | Durability | Best For |
| Polypropylene | Plastic | $4 to $8 | Low | Budget-friendly builds |
| Polyethylene | Plastic | $5 to $10 | Moderate | Moderate traffic areas |
| Nylon | Plastic | $8 to $15 | High | High-traffic spaces |
Artificial turf instantly turns hard concrete into a comfortable walking surface. The pop of greenery also softens the patio’s appearance, helping it blend into your garden oasis much better.
However, the jury is still out on whether the artificial turf looks as attractive as natural grass. If you don’t mind its synthetic look, it’s a great alternative. You just have to cover the somewhat steep initial price, and it’ll keep your patio looking how you want it for up to 20 years.
Although the artificial grass feels soft underfoot, avoid walking over it barefoot on hot days. The plastic fibers retain the heat rather well, so they can get hot fast. A pergola or other cover over your patio can prevent that and keep rainfall from getting trapped against the concrete.
#6: Paint
Paint is the way to go if you want a truly custom look for your concrete patio. Outdoor paints come in many different colors, and the sky is the limit to what designs you do.
Whether you’re creative or not, painting your patio is a simple, budget-friendly DIY project. The hardest part is cleaning and prepping the surface. So, you don’t have to hire a professional if you want to keep more money in your pocket.
Paint prices vary depending on the formula you choose. Water-based acrylic paint starts at $20 per gallon, while epoxy can go up to $70 per gallon. As long as you already have a pressure washer, cleaning and prepping supplies add about $150. At the lowest price, painting a 300-square-foot patio with a single color costs less than $200 for two gallons of paint and supplies.
Concrete Patio Paint Covering
| Paint Material | Material Type | Price Per Gallon | Durability | Best For |
| Acrylic | Water-based | $20 to $50 | Low | Low-traffic, budget-friendly builds |
| Concrete Stain | Water- or acid-based | $20 to $60 | Moderate | Elevating rustic designs |
| Textured Concrete Paint | Water-based acrylic and additives | $30 to $60 | Moderate | Outdoor areas that need a non-slip surface |
| Epoxy | Two-part epoxy | $30 to $70 | High | High-traffic spaces |
When you paint concrete patios, it lets your personality shine and makes your home design all your own. You can use concrete stamps and stencils for even more flair. The easy application process feels satisfying, especially as you step back to admire the final results.
When properly applied, the paint adds a protective layer to old concrete slabs. You won’t have to worry about staining or weathering damaging your patio. The paint itself can chip and flake over the years, however.
Good surface prep prevents that from happening too soon, but it will start to wear away eventually. Luckily, all you have to do at that point is clean, prep, and reapply the paint to restore your patio design.
#7: Raised Garden Beds
Raised garden beds allow you to put your patio to work in producing flowers, fruits, and vegetables. The beds are as cheap or expensive as you’d like. and it all depends on what size and material you choose.
Plastic raised beds are the most budget-friendly option at $30 to $100 each. You’ll pay the most for natural stone raised beds, which cost anywhere from $100 to $500 apiece. The price of each raised bed goes up with its size. A 2’x2’ plastic raised bed is $30, while a 6’x5’ natural stone bed costs $400 or more.
Don’t forget that you’ll need dirt to fill all the beds you install, adding $100 or more to the price. You’ll spend less than $500 covering your 300-square-foot patio with 10 2’x2’ plastic raised beds.
Raised Garden Beds for Concrete Patios
| Raised Garden Bed Material | Material Type | Price Range | Durability | Best For |
| Plastic | Synthetic | $30 to $100 | Low | Budget-friendly builds |
| Metal | Galvanized steel or aluminum | $50 to $150 | High | Enhancing modern designs |
| Cedar | Cedarwood | $50 to $200 | Moderate | Elevating a natural aesthetic |
| Composite | Composite materials | $100 to $300 | High | Areas with harsh weather |
| Natural Stone | Various minerals | $100 to $500 | High | Adding rustic charm |
Raised garden beds can completely cover your patio to create a high-yield garden or just serve as notable corner accents. Either way, the increase in greenery will create a truly tranquil place to relax alone or with friends and family.
You don’t have to break the bank to install raised beds, especially since it’s a DIY-friendly project. You could have everything up and running in one afternoon, although the work doesn’t end there.
To keep each bed producing at its limits, you’ll need to come out to water, feed, and weed the beds regularly. Keep in mind that overwatering the beds could damage the concrete floor underneath, so only use enough to dampen the soil, not soak through the bottom.
So, Which Inexpensive Way to Cover Your Patio is Right For You?
When choosing inexpensive ways to cover concrete patio surfaces, your budget, aesthetic preferences, and plans for the space will all come into play. You cannot choose wrong, so sit back and envision how you want your patio space to look and feel.
Then, think about your budget and the durability of the materials. You have rugs, paint, and raised beds at the lowest end of the price range. The rest of the options may cost more, but they’re also more durable and will provide lasting results. So, it all balances out in the end.
FAQs About Cheap Patio Coverings
What is the cheapest way to cover a concrete patio?
The cheapest way to cover a concrete patio is with a single 8’x10’ polypropylene rug. If you shop at budget-friendly retailers, like Amazon, you can get one for $100 or less easily.
Can you put thin pavers over concrete?
You can install thin pavers over concrete. In fact, it’s pretty easy to do, which is why they’re known as overlay pavers. You just have to set the border, lay down a sandy foundation, place the pavers, and fill the cracks with polymeric sand.
How much does it cost to cover a concrete patio?
Covering a 300-square-foot concrete patio costs anywhere from $100 to $1,650. At the low end of the price range is an 8’x10’ polypropylene rug, while pavers cost the most to install.
